Madison, Wisconsin - Seven pediatric cancer researchers at the Carbone Cancer Center have received a $450,000 grant from the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC Fund).

"The MACC Fund has provided game-changing support for childhood cancer research in the fund's 41 years of existence," said Dr. Paul Sondel, the Director of Research for pediatric hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplant at the Carbone Cancer Center. "Together we’re making a real difference."

The grant will be used to develop novel therapies for neuroblastoma, leukemias, lymphomas and brain tumors and support for the clinical research infrastructure.

With the $450,000 gift, the MACC Fund has taken the total of MACC contributions to more than $60 million in Wisconsin for childhood cancer research.

Eddie Doucette, co-founder and honorary vice president of the MACC Fund, said the research at the Carbone Cancer Center and other research centers in Wisconsin has made a big difference for kids suffering from cancer.

"If someone would have suggested in 1976 that someday we would be able to contribute $60 million specifically earmarked for the research to eradicate pediatric cancers, I would have thought it unfathomable," said Doucette. "Back then the cure rate was 20 percent but today, it's over 80 percent."

Date Published: 07/10/2017

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